US surgeon general nomination: Trump taps Dr. Nicole Saphier after Dr. Casey Means exits

Dr. Nicole Saphier emerged as President Donald Trump’s new choice for US surgeon general. The nomination followed the collapse of Dr. Casey Means’ bid. Lawmakers signalled Means lacked enough support to clear a Senate committee. If confirmed, Saphier would gain a national platform to issue health advisories on threats.

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Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor, supported parts of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda. Saphier backed steps like removing food additives and reducing ultraprocessed foods. Saphier also promoted exercise. Yet Saphier spoke more positively about vaccination than Kennedy has.

US surgeon general nomination and Dr. Casey Means setback

Means, a Stanford University-educated physician and MAHA influencer, faced tough questioning in the Senate. Senators raised concerns about experience and views on vaccination. Means did not complete a surgical residency in Oregon. Means also holds an inactive medical license. Means told The Associated Press the defeat came from a yearlong smear campaign.

Surgeons general can highlight risks through formal public advisories. The office also often speaks on vaccination topics. Still, the position does not set vaccine policy. The nomination process matters because the role is widely seen as the nation’s doctor. Trump’s switch ended a contentious confirmation track for Means.

US surgeon general pick Dr. Nicole Saphier background

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, Saphier serves as director of breast imaging. The profile says Saphier earned a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados. It also lists fellowships at the Mayo Clinic. Kennedy posted online that Saphier’s work in early detection may aid plans against chronic disease.

The American College of Radiology also welcomed the nomination. Its president, Dr. Dana Smetherman, on Thursday called Saphier a tireless advocate for womens health. Saphier remained a Fox News Channel contributor until this week. Trump previously picked another network contributor, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, but that bid ended after credential questions.

US surgeon general stance on vaccination and COVID rules

Saphier raised doubts about parts of the US childhood vaccine schedule. Those comments included the universal birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. The Trump administration has tried to weaken that long-standing recommendation. Saphier also opposed COVID-19 vaccine requirements in schools. Saphier said on a September podcast they were a complete disaster.

Saphier said immunisation is important, while stressing personal medical choice. In March, Saphier praised acting CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for urging measles vaccination. "The more vaccine confusion we create, the more preventable disease we will see,\" Saphier said in September. Saphier added that the administration should get itself in order.

US surgeon general criticism of health department chaos

Saphier often supported Trump’s wider health direction, but still criticised missteps. Last summer, Saphier faulted a first MAHA report that cited studies that did not exist. \"There were a lot of flaws in this report,\" Saphier said on her podcast. \"In fact, it was pretty embarrassing.\"

Saphier also criticised Kennedy’s handling of leadership changes at the CDC. Saphier said the firing of Susan Monarez, after under a month, was a mess. \"When we keep hearing radical transparency and were going to regain trust, I can tell you these shenanigans are taking us farther away from that mission,\" Saphier said on her podcast.

In an email to the AP last year, Saphier addressed Trump’s advice on Tylenol in pregnancy. Saphier said the message was overly simplistic. Saphier added that untreated fever or severe pain can also create serious risks. Saphier said that point was missing from Trump’s remarks about unproven autism links.

Saphier also weighed in on Means after earlier confirmation hearings this year. \"Id really like to see a little bit more reaching across the aisle when it comes to public health,\" Saphier said. \"That doesnt mean it has to be some Democratic nominee for surgeon general, maybe just someone a little less aligned with the MAHA movement who, I dont know, finished their residency and has an active medical license.\"

Saphier’s public profile extends beyond medicine and television commentary. Saphier hosts a show, Wellness Unmasked with Dr. Nicole Saphier. Saphier used the phrase Make America Healthy Again before Kennedy made it widely known. Saphier wrote a 2020 book using that title, criticising government healthcare and the Affordable Care Act.

Saphier also entered the wellness products market, according to a LinkedIn profile. The page describes an herbal supplements line called Drop Rx. Saphier also spoke often about family choices and support for mothers. Saphier said she kept her first son after an unexpected pregnancy at age 17.

Some MAHA figures signalled doubts about Saphier’s alignment with the movement. Turning Point USA podcaster Alex Clark wrote on Friday that Saphier \"gets an F when it comes to all things MAHA.\" The nomination now moves through the Senate process. The outcome will determine who serves as the administration’s next voice on public health warnings.

With inputs from PTI